I think it is more a combination of the two. Many of the squad are in their twilight years and this season we have been beset by injuries. However, how many years of consolidation do we want at the expense of entertainment? Yes it is important we remain in the PL, but the way Roy has us play, even when there is nothing to play for (like at the end of last season) is becoming really hard to watch. Even if we signed a few high-quality players in the summer I have no confidence that Roy would have us playing better football.

I think many people, myself included, just want to enjoy watching Palace again, something which has been gradually disappearing in the last two years. Any entertainment we do get is purely thanks to the individual brilliance of Eze and Zaha by and large. It is not necessarily about playing great football as much as creating chances and having a go

It is a really hard decision for the board as Roy is probably one of the few managers left who almost guarantees you PL football each year, but I increasingly myself asking at what cost.

I think Roy's biggest problem, is that his first thought (whoever we play) Is how can we stop them, and never how can we hurt them...

The biggest problem is the out of contract players, they need given new contracts or replaced, what if Roy stays the old players are given extended contracts, then we start the season badly, Roy is sacked and the new man whoever he may be is left with a pile of deadwood.

“That’s a joke son, I say, that’s a joke.” “Nice boy, but he’s sharp as a throw pillow.” “He’s so dumb he thinks a Mexican border pays rent” “ “Son… I say, son, some people are so narrow minded they can look through a keyhole with both eyes.”__ Forhorn Leghorn

I think this is important, the club is in a position where it can either choose to offer short-term deals to players and a manager with the idea to try and limp through another season without spending too much money, or it can choose to invest in the future at a time when a new manager could potentially come in and mould a squad to suit what they and Palace agree is best to take the club forwards.

I imagine much of what is decided will depend on finances. One big thing is that players such as Bentenke and Sakho are no longer starters but when they go in the summer (hopefully they do) they will free up 10-12 million a year in wages (that really is shocking, isn't it) with no significant impact on the quality of the squad. The other issue is whether there is a potential takeover on the table; this seems unlikely given the uncertainty around COVID and Brexit, but it is still also a possible consideration.

Unless the landscape of the club changes in terms of ownership committed to inject funds for a player recruitment drive, it is probable that quite a few of the players many might consider "Deadwood" will be retained much to the chagrin of supporters.

Edited by Willo (10 Feb 2021 11.34am)

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